Today’s Truth
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Friend to Friend
It had been a wonderful day! We were all tired after hiking
Danna, our three-year-old daughter, was out like a light! One down and one to go! Jered, our six-year-old son scrambled into bed, ready to recap the hiking adventure and make a plan for tomorrow. We snuggled under the fluffy down comforter, talking and laughing about how much fun the day had been, then settled into a cozy, comfortable silence.
His question ripped through the still, silent night and my heart, exposing every fear and insecurity carefully buried there. “Why didn’t she want me?” Jered softly asked. I knew immediately what he meant. After years of trying to have children naturally, Dan and I discovered that God had a wonderfully different plan for us. We adopted both Jered and Danna as infants and marveled daily at the precious gift of our two children. I knew this question was inevitable but was still caught off guard by Jered’s probing words. My uncertain heart cried out to my Father. I needed an answer – for Jered – and for me. Instantly, it came. Bruno!
When Jered was four years old, we were given a chocolate colored
After an intensive search, we discovered “Adopt a Pet”, a remarkable organization that finds homes for animals whose owners, for one reason or another, cannot keep them. We were promised that Bruno would be placed in just the right home where he would be loved, well cared for and have plenty of room to run and play. We talked and explained, struggling our way to the difficult decision that it was time to put Bruno up for adoption! Still, on the day they came to pick up Bruno, we all cried! We knew it was the best plan for Bruno - for us - and for a very excited family that wanted a
As I looked into the beautiful, blue eyes of the little boy I loved more than life itself, I prayed for just the right words. "Jered, do you remember Bruno?" At the memory of the dog, Jered smiled and sadly whispered, "I still miss him." I nodded in agreement and replied, "I know, son! I know you loved Bruno and are sad that we had to give him away. But do you remember why we gave Bruno away?" Jered thought for a moment and carefully answered, "Because we loved him so much and we knew we couldn't take care of him right ... and because he wasn't very happy ... and because we wanted the best home in the whole wide world for him."
I paused for a moment, basking in the simple and faithful wisdom of my Father, spoken through the heart of my only son. Now I was ready to answer his unsettling question. "She did want you, honey. And she did love you ... so much, in fact, that she was willing to give you away, just like we gave Bruno away. Just as we wanted what was best for Bruno, your birth mother wanted what was best for you!" I fully recognize that it was an extremely simple illustration for a profoundly complex life circumstance – but it was enough! We talked for a few more minutes and then prayed together for every family member, right down to the distant cousins.
I lay there in the darkness, holding this chosen baby in my arms, listening to him breathe as he drifted into a peaceful, trust-filled sleep. My heart filled with wonder and awe at the faultless plan and complete provision of God in our lives. With tears of gratitude spilling down my face I thanked God for two courageous young birth mothers, for the plan of adoption that brought our children to us and for God's perfect work through an unusual servant named Bruno! With a contented smile on his face, Jered sighed, turned over and whispered the precious words, "I love you, Mom."
We are all desperate to be loved and to love. We innately search for significance and are created with the powerful need to belong. We pursue worth in worthless places. We demand validation from invalid sources. In the darkness of that mountain cabin, I caught a new perspective of God’s stubborn love and the absolute sacrifice He made by giving up His son, Jesus Christ. It is only through a personal relationship with Him that we experience authentic love; a love that displaces thoughts of rejection and banishes feelings of abandonment. It is in this priceless gift we comprehend the amazing truth that even if we were never wanted or planned by human heart and mind, we were planned and wanted in the heart and mind of God! And that, dear friend, is enough!
Let’s Pray
Father, as we celebrate Your birthday, I have to stop and thank You for sending Your son, Jesus, to earth, as a baby in a manger. I know He came for me, for my sin. I don’t understand why You would choose to love me, but I know You did. I belong to You. What an amazing thought! Your love is my greatest gift, Your forgiveness my deepest healing. Every breath is testimony of Your provision in my life. I offer my life to You as a living sacrifice, Lord. I love you! In Jesus’ name, Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Ask every member of your family to create a birthday card for Jesus. Include favorite passages of Scripture as well as a note of praise, celebration and thanksgiving for His birth. Place the notes in a wrapped box under your Christmas tree. Begin Christmas morning by opening this box first and sharing the birthday cards with each other.
More from the Girls
You, my friend, are chosen by God. You are loved, planned and wanted by Jesus Christ. You are precious to Him, the apple of His eye. Make this Christmas a celebration of your relationship with Him. Find it hard to believe? Listen to Mary’s CD, “Getting Good at Being You” and let it guide you to a new perception of who you are to God.
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